Snowkiting Questions

[Goz]

Maybe next year for me with any luck, keen to go to the snow and give it a try at some stage.

My boss went snowboarding in NZ last year as it worked out cheaper than driving down to NSW.

[gcdave]

Charlotte Pass NSW - apparently in the valley below The Chalet (maybe a bit busy during peak season?? or will most people be on the slopes?)

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Pass,_New_South_Wales

(Kiting to the left of number 1 in the photo towards the bottom of the page)

Weather: http://www.weatherzone.com.au/nsw/snowy-mountains/charlotte-pass

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_071003.shtml

B.O.M: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN60801/IDN60801.95912.shtml

Average wind during the usual snow season at 9am (this isn't too appealing statistically );

June 5.4kts, July 6.4kts, August 7kts, September 6.6kts, majority from the

SW, WSW direction. I don't know where the weather observations are taken

from, so can't comment on it's true accuracy (tunnel effect,etc on readings)

Getting there: http://www.charlottepass.com.au/gettinghere.html

http://www.susiesphotos.com.au/html/Snowsports/snowkiting09.html

Hope that helps a few others - it's given me some thought.

Dave

Goz, I'm hoping to be able to put some personally experienced knowledge into his section soon

[Goz]

You might have to get yourself a bigger flysurfer Dave

[Goz]

Was speaking to my boss today about the whole snowboarding lark and locations, and he reckons go to perisher Dave. Apparently there is a lot of nice open valleys in that area with no trees that would be awesome for snow kiting.

[gcdave]

Was speaking to my boss today about the whole snowboarding lark and locations, and he reckons go to perisher Dave. Apparently there is a lot of nice open valleys in that area with no trees that would be awesome for snow kiting.

Perisher hey - does your boss kite? (I have to ask, don't i ). I'll look into details for perisher and add what decent info i come up with. Am also getting more info on SnowFarm (NZ) which is the place to be for a kite in NZ..

After it all comes together, I wanting to compile the info on these findings and maybe sticky a new Snowkiting AU/NZ post on XK

Dave

[Goz]

Nope he doesn't kite but he goes snowboarding for several weeks each year and has been to both Australia and New Zealand. Biggest cost is the accommodation after you get the gear.

[SoutherlyBuster]

Keep stoke going gcdave, got me glued to the screen.

Last time I passed through Kiandra (Snowy Mountains, NSW) in the summer time, some nice shallow valleys, plenty of open spaces, I was thinking this might be a great place for snow kiting. I've never snow kited before, so I could be wrong about this place. Any one snow kited this spot before? Sure it's remote back country action, but this would all add to the adventure.

Norman.

[gcdave]

Keep stoke going gcdave, got me glued to the screen.

Last time I passed through Kiandra (Snowy Mountains, NSW) in the summer time, some nice shallow valleys, plenty of open spaces, I was thinking this might be a great place for snow kiting. I've never snow kited before, so I could be wrong about this place. Any one snow kited this spot before? Sure it's remote back country action, but this would all add to the adventure.

Norman.

The drum is loud and clear Norm!

A few have kited at Kiandra - my only concern with some possible snowkiting places in NSW is that there's quite a few large boulders around the place and from what I know of, we don't necessarily get a good cover to cover up a lot of the smaller buggers! (I don't think id like a new Nobile Snowkite board having dings in it...yet - or will a warranty cover that one Jason? )

Kiandra does look good for some cross country/pitch tent opportunities. Getting a good holiday (cabin/apartment) and snow kiting experience would be awesome, but at the same time I'd be just as happy to pitch tent in sub zero temps! Each to their own, but if i do drive to the snow, Kiandra is on the check-out-list.

Kiandra weather : http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_071010.shtml

Wind is best in November, by average - 7kts. Winter average is around 4-5kts statistically.

[Icebird]

...sigh...

[gcdave]

I think Snowfarm is the pick of the bunch of locations in NZ

Stay at Wanaka, and catch an Alpine bus to snowfarm daily $32NZ daily, or ten trip return to wanaka for $250NZ. http://www.alpinecoachlines.co.nz/wanaka_ski_resort_transport.html

Or, you can grab a bunch of kiters and group hug a hut a few kilometers into the heart of the farm. http://www.snowfarmnz.com/index.cfm/Stay_on_the_Snow/Hut_Information

10 day pass for snow farm (no hire gear) $300NZ http://www.snowfarmnz.com/index.cfm/Ski_Prices_2010/Ski_Prices_2010

For these following reasons, Snow Farm is my desired snowkiting location for 2010

Fly into Queenstown or Wanaka (Can fly into Christchurch, but the $30NZ bus trip to Wanaka/Queenstown will set you back 8 hours of awesome scenery! - I'd still prefer to pay to extra and get straight to Wanaka and kite kite kite kite!!!! )

Restrictions

At Ski areas check in with ski patrol. They probably won’t allow you to ride on the skifield itself, at least not while they are open but will permit snowkiting in the out of bounds areas. <---- this means that outside 8am to 4pm, kiting may be ok in more areas

For ease of access, consistency and variety Snow Farm is the top snowkiting spot in New Zealand. Located on the Wairua range at 4920 ft (1500 meters), the kite spot get’s good snow cover and is kite-able in winds from just about any direction.

The Pisa range is adjacent to and accessible from Snowfarm. The range runs north to south and rises to 6400 FT(1950m) offering a variety of snow and wind conditions. Early and late season when Snowfarm’s snow cover is patchy, a short walk up into the Pisa can often save the day. This is a Department of Conservation reserve. Kiting access is along the proving ground fence line north to the end of the testing area and then east across a shallow gully to access the ridge which will take you all the way to the summit. For hiking access check in at The Proving Ground office and take the more direct route to the snowline.

Conditions

Terrain: flat ridges and shallow gullies provide great beginner and freestyle terrain while the Pisa offers acres of everything including some steeps and endless backcountry exploration.

Wind: Best Northeast thru to West but can be kiteable in any direction. As the winds come more to the south the wind strength needs to be quite strong. If it’s lighter winds and south west go to Cardrona across the valley instead. Yes, this is huge font, for a reason.... It's important!

Skill level: Beginner to expert

Directions: Situated along the Cardrona Valley, 35 kms from Wanaka and 55kms from Queenstown. Easy road access. Carry chains. Pay $15 at Base Lodge for kite pass. Park at the top car park and cross the gully opposite the lodge building to the flat ridge approx 500 meters away.

Local Info: http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Snow-Farm/6day/top

Facilities: Lodge at base car park with hotel rooms, restrooms, café, bar and restaurant.

Restrictions: Be careful to respect the boundaries with Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground which operates winter vehicle testing or you could get an unscheduled ride on the hood of Toyotas latest creation or a fine for $2500.

Notes: Please don’t kite back to the car park unless you can land your kite safely.

Dave

[gcdave]

...sigh...

We're all ears mate

[SoutherlyBuster]

Ok so here is my back of the envolope costing:

Stay at the hut with skii hire (I don't have skiis or a snowboard). Stay for 5 nights at the hut, catch a flight with Virgin Blue to Queenstown. Costing for two adults (me and my wife) and one child (my son):

The hut 1425$AU

The return flight 2276$AU

Misc. costs of clothing, food and transfers, assume $1000AU

Total 4700 $AU .

So how many days would you need to count on to get a kitesurfer/landboarder up and going on a snow board?

Norman.

[Magoo]

Hi Guys,

I'm amped to see that there are some others around looking at doing some snowkiting this season.

From what I've seen of Hotham, Falls and the Snowy Mtns, I'd say the Snowies and Falls are going to be the best options in Oz.

Falls has some great open areas that look like they have heaps of potential, and as has already been said, there are a lot of areas that look pretty good around Perisher, especially if you are happy (and equipped etc) to venture in to the backcountry. The Hotham area is probably a bit steep for good kiting with our snow conditions, although Mt Feathertop could be a fun mission once you know what your doing.

apparently in the valley below The Chalet (maybe a bit busy during peak season?? or will most people be on the slopes?)

I doubt you'll see many people in that spot. Most of the skiers will stay within the resort, and I'd expect any kiters to be out behind Charlets. That spot is down in the valley and probably doesn't get as good winds as a bit further out.

That said, take it all with a grain salt because I'm basing this on skiing these mountains. I'm hoping to get my first season snowkiting in this year.

Now bring on the snow!

Nathan

[Icebird]

Fellas,

In NSW:

Don't kite near Perisher, for 3+ reasons:

1.) Wind is very gusty due to the hills.

2.) NPWS would love to ban snowkiting in KNP, they are extremely risk averse when the public is involved, as it is near skiers, tobogganers etc who paid to get into the park.

3.) There are heaps better spots nearby...but you will have to walk/ski to get to them.

In NSW you are just not going to get really easily accessible kite terrain/snow cover/winds (except for Kiandra very, very occasionally).

Learn to tour and go with others who know the game, or go to NZ.

http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&om=1&hl=en&msa=0&msid=117767376112016656981.000441bee2ba4ef95d505&t=p&z=11

Cheers:

P.

[gcdave]

Keep the info coming people

Snowkiting NZ is the obvious choice, but I'm all for kiting local spots and promoting them as well

Thanks for the link there Patrick - awesome

Dave

[Wazza1]

Hi all.

I agree with Icebird. Find your own space away from Perisher.

From my experience last year, the other thing to consider is length of time you are staying in the snow. In 7 days of accom in Thredbo I took the kite out on 2 days. The second day was more hopeful than it was likely.

Why didn't I use the kite more? Well, when the snow is hitting you that hard on the T-Bar it feels like hail stones there's now way you'd launch a kite. Wind so strong you only had to hold your arms out and you took off down wind. A couple of days of that and then a couple with no wind at all.

Ramshead range above the highest lift at Thredbo (read - away from everyone) was sweet. I hope I get to do more exploring in the snow this season. Enjoy!

[Lochran]

Hi Guys,

From what I've seen of Hotham, Falls and the Snowy Mtns, I'd say the Snowies and Falls are going to be the best options in Oz.

Falls has some great open areas that look like they have heaps of potential, and as has already been said, there are a lot of areas that look pretty good around Perisher, especially if you are happy (and equipped etc) to venture in to the backcountry. The Hotham area is probably a bit steep for good kiting with our snow conditions, although Mt Feathertop could be a fun mission once you know what your doing.

hey Nathan, i'm heading over to Hotham this season to try out snowboarding for the first time. Reckon it'd worth be lugging a kite over too? Whats mt Featherdrop like.

average wind speeds for Hotham during july were about 11 knots. Might take my 10.5 naish sigma, or old c 14m

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/ ... 3085.shtml

[Lochran]

Hi Guys,

From what I've seen of Hotham, Falls and the Snowy Mtns, I'd say the Snowies and Falls are going to be the best options in Oz.

Falls has some great open areas that look like they have heaps of potential, and as has already been said, there are a lot of areas that look pretty good around Perisher, especially if you are happy (and equipped etc) to venture in to the backcountry. The Hotham area is probably a bit steep for good kiting with our snow conditions, although Mt Feathertop could be a fun mission once you know what your doing.

hey Nathan, i'm heading over to Hotham this season to try out snowboarding for the first time. Reckon it'd worth be lugging a kite over too? Whats mt Featherdrop like.

average wind speeds for Hotham during july were about 11 knots. Might take my 10.5 naish sigma, or old c 14m

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/ ... 3085.shtml

[Magoo]

Hi all,

there are a lot of areas that look pretty good around Perisher

Sorry, poorly written post. I didn't mean to suggest kiting in the areas immediately around the resort and carpark. Far too crowded and generally a bad idea. Thanks for clarifying.

@Lochran

If your spending a season there, you'd be mad not to take it! There is shore to be somewhere in the national parks around Hotham that would be kiteable. The Alpine Walking Track that comes out of the North end of the Village intersects Machinery Spur after 2km and this area looks to have some potential flatish area 200-500m wide, 2.5km long, and should be above the tree line (no idea how scrubby or how much snow required).

I also have a feeling that your season pass may be usable at Falls Creek as well, which is very day tripable from Hotham. If your feeling rich they used to run a helicopter service between the Mtns.

Falls Creek is on the 'Alpine High Plains' and so the park around it has a lot more flat and open areas that I'm sure would be good kiting given the right winds. There is heaps of attractive low traffic areas here, so don't get tempted to kite in the areas that are too close to the resort, or heavily trafficked by the cross country skiers at Falls.

The Bogong Alpine Area map (1:50,000) gives a good idea of the area surrounding Falls, the North side of Hotham and Mt Feathertop (you'll need a map if your heading out there anyway). Not sure which map to get for south of Hotham.

Mt Feathertop is the big peak at the end of the 'razerback ridge' the intersects the road to Hotham at Diamantina Hut. From memory I thought the ridge was fairly exposed and may have been kiteable, but looking at the map it's seems to be vegetated. This would make it about 11km skin to the kitable area, which is lots of big steep exposed faces.

Have fun, it's a great area.

Nathan

[gcdave]

Anyone know if they still do kiting at the summit of Mt Hotham in the snow season? Ive read on the net/see vid footage of back in 2007 when they were starting to do some lessons up top..

Cheers!

Dave

[Sheggnegg]

Hey guys,

it's good to see more and more ppl are getting interested in snowkiting, have been waiting for it for a while. I have been going to hotham to snowboard for the last 5 years and love it. Back in 07 there was a guy up there doing free first lessons, but it was not organised by Mt Hotham, he was just a cool dude trying to promo it, looks like he did the job. The last two years he has been up there too but he was not there for the whole season, so you need a bit of luck to be up there when he is there. You can still kite up on the summit though, did it last year and hanging out to get back there. The other REALY good place to go at Hotham is the back of the Orchard chair lift. Above the tree line and not too steep, but you still need a lift pass to get out to it. I have heard rumours that you can park your car at the Loch carpark and walk it in via Machinery Hill Track, saving a lift pass, HHHMMM don't know if I would, have been boarding there for a while and it is quite a way, I rekon you would be stuffed by the time you got there.

FYI

When it come to boards Dave, the width of the board does not realy have that much to do with speed, turnability, ease of use. Just make sure you get a board that is wide enough so that your toes and heels don't hang over the edges too much. If you do this will make turning more difficult cause your toes and heels hit the snow rather than the board edge. The length of the board has most of the say when it comes to speed and turnability. The longer the board the faster it will go, but a shorter board will give you more turnability. You need to find a happy medium with what you want to do. I am about 185cm and weigh about 68-70KG and I ride on a 159cm board, hope this helps a bit and hope to see you all up there this season,

Cheers Shane

PS. They turned the snow making machines on last night at Big D and in the Village, hehehehehe its coming

[Lochran]

Hey guys

I'm back from Mt Hothem. Awesome week spent snowboarding, was so tired by the end of it.

I took my 14m inflatable C kite with me. Got it up for about an hour on the last day. Between

learning to snowboard (which is lots of fun) and too much wind or no wind and limited snow cover there

wasn't that many chances. But i was walking out to the lifts on the last day and saw a couple of other kites up so i had to give it a go.

I took the summit chairlift up and went behind the summit run, for anyone who's been to Mt Hothem

i took some happy snaps on my phone, there's a link below, not to sure how to put images up in this forum

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50295974@N ... 4524413485

I'm thinking NZ for some deep powder and 20+knots conditions